The "Alexandria, VA: Part 2 - Old Town Alexandria" Story

It was an ordinary day. The Scottish Walk Parade had just finished and we need to start moving so we won't freeze in place. The "We" is Carol and I as well as friends Jerry and Sue. We have been traveling to Alexandra for a few years now and enjoy the city. It was founded in 1749 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alexandria is nationally recognized for its abundance of 18th and 19th century architecture, chic boutiques, fine art and antique galleries, historic attractions and award winning restaurants. At noon today we took in one of the attractions, the parade. Now it is time for lunch. Head down the main street, King Street, toward the Potomac River, for an place to eat. Decide on The Fish Market even though Sue doesn't eat seafood. Can't go to a city by the water without having some seafood. Carol and I had a bowl of fantastic clam chowder while I also had a fried oyster sandwich. Jerry had the fish stew and Sue had a plate of french fries. Said she wasn't hungry! The building was really neat. Exposed beams in the ceiling, brick walls and wide wooden floors. Truly something from an earlier time. Time now for a little shopping. We headed to one of our favorite shops, the Christmas Shoppe to try to find an ornament for Jerry and Sue's oldest son. They bought him a kayak last year and wanted a Christmas tree ornament to match. No trouble finding it in this store. The hardest part of this stop was trying to get into it. It was packed. Stopped in the children's store and then realized that all our grandkids were too old for the clothes and toys that were displayed in the store. Made us feel really old, also. The decorations on the stores were beautiful. Reminded us of how they would be decorated in the era they were built. After a few more stops we headed back to the garage where the car was parked. On the way we passed Christ Church which is an Episcopal Church built in 1773. The cemetery next to the church certainly must have people who founded our country as residents. We find the car, pay the $16 fee, check the directions to the Red Roof Inn and head out of Alexandria. After a short rest we will return for our evening adventure. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA, front window of the Fish Market Restaurant on King Street which is a block from the Potomac River, display of ornaments in the Christmas shop, Holiday decorations in town, City Hall, and Christ Church which was founded in 1773.